Heschel Day School

What Heschel Day School does

Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) Jewish day school serving approximately 374 transitional-kindergarten through eighth-grade students on a three-acre campus in Northridge, California, in the San Fernando Valley. Founded in 1972 by a coalition of local families with support from Conservative and Reform rabbis, the school delivers a dual-curricular program combining General Studies (English, math, science, social studies) with Judaic Studies (biblical and rabbinic literature, Holocaust studies, Hebrew language, Israel education), rooted in values of tradition, character, and community. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios (10:1 elementary, 15:1 middle school) and operates an Innovation Center/Maker/Tech Space, a one-to-one Chromebook program (grades 3-8), and competitive RoboHawks robotics teams that have produced patent-pending student innovations.

The school's revenue model is tuition-driven, with 2026-2027 rates of $24,000 (TK), $38,100 (K-5), and $45,100 (6-8), supplemented by mandatory security fees ($2,025), activity fees ($600-$995), a non-refundable $150 application fee, and a $3,500 enrollment deposit. A secondary revenue layer includes the Heschel Fund annual giving campaign, a structured endowment with tiered planned-giving levels ranging from $10K to $750K+, capital gifts (currently supporting a library renovation through the Project Wonder campaign), and a hot lunch program serving 250 students. Customer acquisition is community-led and referral-driven: 69 current students are children of alumni, the Parent Organization Board runs 28+ annual events, four bus routes extend the geographic service area to Calabasas, Tarzana, Encino, and Sherman Oaks, and partnerships with Prizmah, BJE, NAIS, CAIS, and ACS WASC anchor credibility within the Jewish and independent-school communities.

The institution is governed by a Board of Directors (President Melanie Cohen, Executive VP Eric Goren '98) and led by Head of School Larry Kligman, a 1985 alumnus who has served the institution for over 40 years across student, teacher, coach, and administrator roles. The school holds full accreditations (NAIS, CAIS, ACS WASC) and has earned Milken Family Foundation recognition for both its Head of School (2022) and teacher Fanny Koyman (2018). Experiential learning is a differentiator, with grade-progressive overnight trips (Brandeis Bardin in 3rd grade, El Capitan in 6th, Catalina Island Marine Institute in 7th, Washington D.C. and Israel/East Coast in 8th) and service-learning tied to the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam.

Name

Heschel Day School

Legal name

Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School

Website

https://heschel.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School is a 374-student, non-profit TK-8 Jewish day school in Northridge, California, founded in 1972. It delivers a dual General and Judaic Studies curriculum to pluralistic San Fernando Valley families, funded primarily through tuition ($24K-$45K annually) supplemented by annual giving and endowment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-8 Jewish Day School Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Nonsectarian Independent Day Schools (EDAJABAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools (EDACABAM)

Keywords

• Private K-8 education
• Jewish day school
• Dual curriculum programs
• Transitional kindergarten
• Judaic studies

Headquarters

HQ city

Northridge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition: Primary revenue stream from tuition payments. 2026-2027 rates: TK $24,000, K-5 $38,100, 6-8 $45,100. Additional fees include new student fee ($1,800), security fee ($2,025), and activity fees ($600-995). Payment plans include annual (due May 4, 2026) or monthly installments through February 2027.
2. Application Fees: Non-refundable application fee of $150 per application, processed during the admissions process.
3. The Heschel Fund (Annual Giving): Annual fundraising campaign supporting athletics, campus maintenance, community events, creative arts, extracurriculars, Israel/Judaica, teacher development, and technology. The cornerstone of yearly philanthropy, distinct from tuition.
4. Capital Gifts: Donations supporting specific campus improvements. Currently focused on library renovation. Managed through the Advancement Office.
5. Endowment and Planned Giving: Long-term financial sustainability through endowment funds where principal is protected in perpetuity. Giving levels: Visionaries ($750K+), Founders ($500K-$749K), Pioneers ($100K-$499K), Sustainers ($25K-$99K), Supporters ($10K-$24K).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School is a TK-8 pluralistic Jewish day school in Northridge, California, serving 374 students with a dual-curricular program that integrates General Studies (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) and Judaic Studies (Torah, Hebrew language, Israel education, Tikkun Olam service learning). Core offerings include elementary and middle school academics, a one-to-one Chromebook technology program, the RoboHawks competitive robotics team, visual and performing arts, athletics, grade-level experiential overnight trips, and an online admissions/parent portal (myHeschel/mySchoolApp). Tuition is the primary revenue stream, supplemented by the Heschel Fund annual giving campaign, endowment, and capital gifts.

Product overview

Heschel Day School is a transitional kindergarten through 8th grade Jewish day school offering a dual-curricular program combining General Studies and Judaic Studies. The school operates as a unified educational platform with multiple integrated programs: core academic curricula (English, Math, Science, Social Studies), specialized programs (Technology with one-to-one Chromebooks, Visual & Performing Arts, Athletics), and enrichment offerings (RoboHawks competitive robotics team, Experiential Learning overnight trips, Service Learning). Administrative services include an online application portal via mySchoolApp and annual fundraising through the Heschel Fund and Endowment programs. The school emphasizes Jewish values of tradition, character, and community while providing academic excellence for approximately 374 students on its Northridge, California campus.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Heschel Fund: The cornerstone annual fundraising campaign supporting athletics, campus maintenance, community events, creative arts, extracurricular opportunities, Israel/Judaica, teacher development, and technology.
• Project Wonder
• RoboHawks

Products and services

• General Studies Program Comprehensive academic curriculum spanning Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade including English, Science, Math, Social Studies, and specialized electives designed to develop critical thinking and academic excellence.
• Judaic Studies Program Jewish learning program encompassing biblical and rabbinic literature, Holocaust studies, Hebrew language, cultivation of connection to Israel, and transformation of ideas into holy action through Jewish values across TK-8.
• Technology Program Technology curriculum integrating digital citizenship, coding fundamentals, 3D printing, and design thinking; features one-to-one Chromebook program for grades 3-8, Innovation Center, and Maker/Tech Space for hands-on creative learning.
• RoboHawks Robotics Team Competitive robotics program for grades 5-8 participating in FIRST LEGO League Challenge and VEX IQ competitions, teaching critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, teamwork, and robot design. RoboHawks have earned regional championships and a patent-pending innovation.
• Visual and Performing Arts Comprehensive arts program including visual arts, general and Judaic music, and musical theater where students develop as actors, dancers, and singers through annual productions.
• Athletics Program Athletic programs in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football for grades 4-8 through the San Fernando Valley Private School League, emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and Kavod (honor).
• Experiential Learning Trips Developmental overnight trips including 3rd grade Brandeis Bardin, 6th grade El Capitan Adventure, 7th grade Catalina Island Marine Institute and Washington D.C. Journey, and 8th grade Israel/East Coast Experience that extend classroom learning beyond campus boundaries.
• Service Learning (Tikkun Olam) Community service program aligned with Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), with grade-level projects including visits to Mend, LA Family Housing, and SOVA.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80%+ participation rate in athletics for grades 4-8
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WOLF (Wilderness Outdoor Leadership Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWOLF provides experienced outdoor education leadership for third grade overnight trip to Brandeis Bardin campus. WOLF staff leads wilderness activities, promotes environmental consciousness, and supports group cooperation alongside Heschel teachers and parent chaperones.
• Naturalists at Large InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExperienced outdoor education institute providing natural and cultural history programming for sixth grade El Capitan adventure along California coastline. Integrates academic curriculum and Jewish values into experiential learning.
• Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine biology and environmental education institute at Toyon Bay. Provides seventh grade students with hands-on marine science learning including marine mammal museum, labs, snorkeling, and environmental stewardship programs.
• Brandeis Bardin Campus (American Jewish University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAJU Brandeis Bardin campus in Simi Valley hosts third grade Native American studies trip and fifth grade community-building overnight adventure. Provides rustic cabin accommodations and outdoor programming facilities.
• Federation's Partnership Twinning ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Federation connecting Heschel with A.D. Gordon school in Tel Aviv for eighth grade Israel trip. Students visit partner school, explore Israeli cities, and participate in cultural immersion program.
• A.D. Gordon School (Tel Aviv)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeschel's partner school in Tel Aviv through Federation's Partnership Twinning Program. Eighth graders visit during Israel trip, participating in joint activities and cultural exchange.
• FIRST LEGO LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobotics competition program for fifth through eighth graders. RoboHawks team participates in Challenge competitions, achieving regional championships and patent-pending innovations.
• VEX RoboticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVEX IQ robotics competition program. Heschel's RoboHawks team has won league championships, teamwork awards, and robot skills challenges.
• Los Angeles Mock Trial ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompetes against other teams at Los Angeles County Courthouse. Middle school elective develops research, trial preparation, and courtroom skills.
• Prizmah Center for Jewish Day SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational center supporting Jewish day schools. Heschel participates in Prizmah programs, featured in publications, and benefits from professional development and community resources.
• Builders of Jewish Education (BJE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Jewish education organization supporting Los Angeles Jewish day schools. BJE logo displayed on Heschel website indicating partnership and community affiliation.
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAIS membership indicates accreditation and adherence to high standards of independent education. Provides access to professional development and best practices.
• California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional accrediting organization for California independent schools. CAIS membership demonstrates commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Accrediting Commission for Schools/Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWASC accreditation demonstrates compliance with educational standards and commitment to continuous improvement. Fully accredited status maintained.
• Hebrew at the CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization supporting Hebrew language education. Featured article on Heschel's Israeli Hebrew teacher gathering and support program for LA Hebrew teachers.
• Jewish Los AngelesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization supporting Jewish life in Los Angeles. Jewish LA logo displayed on Heschel website indicating local Jewish community partnership.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Harvard-Westlake School: Premier non-sectarian independent school in LA serving 7-12. Competes with Heschel for families prioritizing premium secular education and strong college placement; broader curriculum but lacks Judaic Studies.

Direct peers

• Shalhevet School: Modern Orthodox Jewish high school in Los Angeles serving as a destination for Heschel's 8th-grade graduates. Comparable in Jewish educational philosophy and tuition tier; relevant for retention/continuation analysis.
• Valley Beth Shalom Day School: Conservative Jewish day school in Encino serving the San Fernando Valley. Most direct geographic competitor with overlapping feeder geography and similar pluralistic-leaning community.
• Wise School: Reform Jewish day school (formerly University Synagogue) in West LA. Direct peer in TK-8 dual-curricular Jewish education with similar tuition range and family demographics.
• Milken Community Schools: Largest pluralistic Jewish day school in Los Angeles serving TK-12. Direct competitor for Jewish families in the San Fernando Valley and Westside, offering overlapping pluralistic philosophy and dual curriculum at greater scale.
• Sinai Akiba Academy: Conservative Jewish day school in West LA serving early childhood through 8th grade. Directly comparable dual-curricular model and similar tuition positioning, competing for the same Westside/Valley Jewish families.
• Pressman Academy (Stephen S. Wise Temple): Reform Jewish day school in Los Angeles serving K-6. Direct competitor for Jewish families seeking General and Judaic Studies, comparable tuition tier and dual-curricular model.

Others

• Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools: National umbrella organization supporting Jewish day schools including Heschel. Provides professional development, advocacy, and community resources rather than direct educational services.
• Buckley School:

Regional players

• De Toledo High School: Jewish community high school in Northridge serving as a continuation pathway for Heschel graduates. Operates on same San Fernando Valley geography and shares feeder relationships.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/hescheldayschool
• Facebookfacebook.com/hescheldayschool
• Instagraminstagram.com/hescheldayschool
• TikToktiktok.com/@hescheldayschool
• Xx.com/HeschelSchool

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Heschel Day School